The nurse is caring for a client who sustained a compound fracture of the right tibia/fibula postoperative ORIF (open reduction internal fixation). A complete assessment of the affected extremity would include:

Capillary refill, color of extremity.

Pedal pulses.

ACE wrap, Velcro boot, and hanging weights.

Pin sites.

Temperature, sensation, and movement of toes.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B,D,E

Choice a reason:
Assessing capillary refill and the color of the extremity is essential for determining the vascular status of the limb. A normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds and indicates good blood flow. The color should be consistent with the rest of the body, without pallor or cyanosis, which could indicate compromised circulation.

Choice b reason:
Checking pedal pulses is another critical aspect of assessing vascular integrity. The presence of strong and equal pulses in both feet suggests that the blood supply to the lower extremities is not compromised.

Choice c reason:
While the ACE wrap and Velcro boot are part of the postoperative management to provide support and protection to the affected limb, and hanging weights might be used for traction, these are not part of the physiological assessment of the extremity.

Choice d reason:
Monitoring pin sites for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, is crucial in a client with ORIF. Infection can lead to complications that may affect the healing process and the integrity of the fixation.

Choice e reason:
Evaluating the temperature, sensation, and movement of toes helps in assessing for potential nerve damage or compartment syndrome. Any changes in these parameters should be reported immediately as they may signify serious complications.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice a reason:
Placing the client on 2L via nasal cannula is a common intervention for hypoxemia, but with the client's pulse oximetry at 88%, which is below the normal range of 95-100%, and the presence of tachypnea, a more immediate assessment of the client's respiratory status is warranted. Oxygen therapy should be guided by the results of arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis to tailor the treatment to the client's specific needs.

Choice b reason:
Obtaining a blood glucose level is not the most immediate concern in the context of altered mental status and respiratory distress. While it is important to rule out hypoglycemia as a cause of altered mental status, the primary concern indicated by the vital signs is the client's respiratory condition.

Choice c reason:
Calling the physician for an order for a stat arterial blood gas is the most appropriate action. The ABG will provide detailed information about the client's oxygenation, carbon dioxide levels, and acid-base balance. This is crucial for a client with a new onset change in mental status and tachypnea, as it can indicate respiratory failure or other serious complications of pneumonia.

Choice d reason:
Requesting an order for lorazepam is not appropriate given the client's current respiratory status. Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, can depress the central nervous system and respiratory drive, potentially worsening the client's hypoxemia and respiratory effort.

A. "Please share the joke with me." B. "You're laughing. Tell me what's happening." C. "Why are you laughing?" D. "I don't think I said anything funny."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Asking the client to share the joke may imply that the nurse believes the client is laughing at a joke, which may not be the case. It's important to recognize that uncontrollable laughter can be a symptom of schizophrenia and not necessarily a response to humor.

Choice B Reason:
This response is open-ended and nonjudgmental, inviting the client to explain their behavior without making assumptions. It allows the client to share their experience, which could be related to an internal stimulus such as a hallucination or simply a response they cannot control.

Choice C Reason:
Asking "Why are you laughing?" could be perceived as confrontational or accusatory. It might make the client feel defensive or misunderstood, especially if the laughter is a symptom of their condition and not something they are doing voluntarily.

Choice D Reason:
Saying "I don't think I said anything funny" focuses on the nurse's perspective rather than the client's experience. It could inadvertently dismiss the client's behavior as inappropriate or unjustified, which is not supportive in a therapeutic relationship.

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The nurse is caring for a client who sustained a compound fracture of the right tibia/fibula postoperative ORIF (open reduction internal fixation). A complete assessment of the affected extremity would include:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

During an assessment of an anxious client diagnosed with right lower lobe pneumonia, the nurse notes a new onset change in mental status and tachypnea. The latest vital signs for the client are T: 98.4 F; HR: 108; RR: 28; BP: 144/90; Pulse ox: 88%. What is the priority nursing action?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is sitting with a client diagnosed with schizophrenia, who starts to laugh uncontrollably, although the nurse has not said anything funny. The nurse should say:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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